LaRoche has surgery, expected back next spring  —  WASHINGTON — Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche underwent left shoulder surgery Thursday morning at Washington Hospital Center.  The surgery was performed by Dr. Wiemi Douoguih, who performed a shoulder SLAP repair, which means major work was done inside the shoulder.

Angels aren't likely to find trade magic  —  For those who think highly of the 2011 Los Angeles Angels, there is good news: They're probably not going to change much.  —  Even as the Angels have scratched in the dirt for runs and struggled to stay relevant in the AL West since mid-May, they've found options are scarce.

Nelson: Phillips a hit on Twitter  —  Cincinnati Reds second baseman using Twitter to connect with fans — and on the field  —  GLENDALE, Ariz. — It's a Friday afternoon in late March, and Rachel and Dave Zahniser sit nervously in a hotel lobby, their eyes darting, looking to the door constantly.

Tigers beat Indians 6-2, take 2 of 3 to claim 1st  —  DETROIT - Jhonny Peralta and Ryan Raburn hit back-to-back, solo homers in the fourth inning, and the Detroit Tigers went on to beat the Cleveland Indians 6-2 Thursday.  —  The Tigers won twice in the three-game series to move a game ahead of Cleveland in the AL Central.

Rangers catcher accuses Yanks of stealing signs  —  NEW YORK — Yankees outfielder Andruw Jones was accused by Texas Rangers catcher Yorvit Torrealba of stealing signs and giving pitch locations to hitters from second base during the fifth inning of Wednesday night's 12-4 New York win.

Holliday homers to answer Nats' two blasts  —  WASHINGTON — Let Home Run Derby begin.  —  Technically two innings after stringing back-to-back home runs for the first time this season, the Washington Nationals repeated the stunt to open Thursday's series finale against the Cardinals.

Mitt Romney, Red Sox fan, didn't know the Rays have a dome  —  Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is hosting a fund raiser in downtown Tampa, Florida on Thursday and decided to kill some time by taking in the Red Sox vs. Rays game Wednesday night at Tropicana Field.

Jeremy Guthrie leaves game with a back strain  —  Orioles starter was having a nice day against the Blue Jays.  He had five shutout innings under his belt with five strikeouts, but then he had to leave the game with a strained back.  Updates will come later.

Daniels willing to deal for 'pen help  —  NEW YORK — Rangers general manager Jon Daniels talked late Wednesday night with manager Ron Washington about their bullpen.  Right now all they can do is talk.  —  Daniels is looking for ways to improve their bullpen, including having active discussions …

Nishioka batting third for Twins in Target Field debut  —  Tsuyoshi Nishioka is batting third for the Twins today, and playing shortstop, for his Target Field debut.  —  Instead of moving Ben Revere and Alexi Casilla out of the top two spots in the lineup, Manager Ron Gardenhire has decided to slot Nishioka behind them.

Jimenez Remains Upbeat Considering Struggles  —  DENVER (AP) — Ubaldo Jimenez strolls around the clubhouse with a carefree attitude even if he's smoldering inside.  —  The Colorado Rockies All-Star pitcher is baffled by his puzzling plunge in production this season, a slump that's tested his usually easygoing demeanor.

On WFAN: Sandy Alderson ‘Pleased And Gratified’ With Mets' Play  —  NEW YORK (WFAN) - After beating the Braves on Wednesday, the Mets are at .500 for the first time in almost a month, a record that has general manager Sandy Alderson “pleased and gratified.”  —  “I'm not surprised …

Pirates' Snyder and wife in Banksville road rage  —  A Good Samaritan helped subdue a man who police said attacked the wife of injured Pirates catcher Chris Snyder at a Banksville gas station Wednesday afternoon even as the man struggled, bit him and threw a shoe in his direction.

Gorzelanny likely to return to Nats on Sunday  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals optioned right-hander Yunesky Maya to Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday, a day after his fourth start in place of Tom Gorzelanny.  The Nationals will likely activate Gorzelanny from the 15-day disabled list Sunday for his start.